Chrissy and David
Chrissy and David had been living independently in their apartment for a few years when they learned about smart home technology. They worked with an Assistive Technology Professional (ATP) to get an assessment, plan and install their technology, as well as receive training on how to use it.
Chrissy and David’s Goals
- Improve time management skills by using reminders and alarms to create a routine/schedule
- Increase cooking skills for new healthy meals
Chrissy and David chose to install:
- Two smart speakers – one in the bedroom and one in the living room (they use Amazon Echo Dots)
- A smart display in the kitchen (they use an Amazon Echo Show)
They both already had smartphones (iPhones), tablets (iPads), and David uses a smart watch (Apple watch).
Chrissy and David’s smart display has a recipe skill that makes cooking new meals easy. Each recipe includes an ingredient list that’s easy to add to the shopping list in the device’s app on a smartphone. Chrissy and David both have the app and so do their parents. This way, whoever is grocery shopping will know exactly what to buy. Each recipe also provides step-by-step instructions out loud and on the screen, with how-to videos for complicated tasks. And, the device recommends new recipes, so Chrissy and David always have healthy new meals to try.
“When I was cooking with my iPad I always had to look down at my device and keep opening up the recipe. It’s easier with the Echo Show,” says Chrissy.
They also use the speakers and display to stay on schedule throughout the day. The smart speaker in their bedroom wakes them up with an alarm. It also notifies them with reminders for when to leave for work and other activities. And, because the smart speakers, display, and apps on each of their phones are synced, Chrissy and David know they’ll receive their reminders no matter where they are in the apartment.
“I think [life without my smart technology] would be a little challenging. I used to feel rushed leaving for work in the morning. Now I am more responsible with time management,” shares Chrissy.
“Life is less stressful now,” adds David. “The device keeps reminding me of things I need to do.”
But it isn’t all about time management and cooking with their smart technology. David and Chrissy both enjoy listening to music using their smart speakers and display. And, while cooking or cleaning they will often dance along to their favorite pop artists (Justin Timberlake for Chrissy – she has seen him in concert three times!). They also use the speakers to check the time, train schedule, and weather. When a storm was rolling in one recent winter, Chrissy used her smart technology to stay updated on its progress – both so she could be prepared, and also because it was exciting! When the storm finally hit, she and David used the display for a hot chocolate recipe.
Michael uses a smart speaker, a smart media streaming device, a smart TV, and smart switches to make phone calls and control everything from his lights to his TV.
Read More About Michael’s Smart Home
Alexa uses smart speakers, smart lighting, smart window blinds, and smart door locks to live independently in her own home.
Read More About Alexa’s Smart Home
Elysia uses a smart speaker and a smart watch to follow recipes, listen to music, and manage her anxiety.
Read More About Elysia’s Smart Home